Peter Zandstra Inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

Dr. Peter Zandstra, Director of both UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering and the Michael Smith Laboratories, has been named a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS).

A CAHS Fellowship is one of the highest honours that can be awarded in the Canadian health sciences community. More than achievement, it is a reflection of the demonstrated leadership, vision and impact that these individuals have on the health sciences space.

“This fellowship is great for the field of Biomedical Engineering (BME),” says Dr. Zandstra. “BME is well-recognized for its impact in healthcare, and I think that as we broaden the definition of BME to include innovation and technological development at the molecular and cellular scale, this recognition will only increase.”

What does the Fellowship mean to him personally? “It’s humbling for sure,” he answers. “But more than that, it’s an important recognition of Biomedical Engineering’s expanding role in human health and healthcare.”

Dr. Zandstra is internationally recognized for his distinguished contributions to the field of biomedical engineering. His research is advancing our fundamental understanding of how cells process information to make developmental decisions, while also leveraging this understanding to develop new cell-based biotechnologies to treat diseases such as leukemia. Dr. Zandstra is also driving the development and clinical testing of new therapies through Canadian biotechnology companies. A leader in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, Dr. Zandstra is catalyzing the growth of BME research, awareness and education across Canada and around the world.

Congratulations to Dr. Zandstra from all of us in the SBME, Michael Smith Laboratories, and the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine.

Visit www.stemcellbioengineering.ca to learn more about Dr. Zandstra’s work.

Originally published by the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering